is 7db more speaker sensitivity a great big upgrade?

[Alex2507]

I liked it better when I thought you were rich ... like Greg.

 

[Davemcc]

When you've already got quality amps to drive the speakers, sensitivity is largely irrelevant. Since you're a self-confessed tin-ear that can't hear quality differences in speakers, save the money. You can easily hit 100+ dB. That's plenty loud. And since you can't hear any improvement in quality for the money, there's just no point.

 

[Pat D]

I haven't heard either speaker so I won't vote.

Yes, a 7 dB difference in sensitivity is substantial and quite noticeable. If both speakers can play louder than you need, then it need not be a factor in your decision unless you want it to be.

My first question is epistemological: how do you know what the sensitivities are? Are they manufacturers' specs, which may be overstated? Or are they measured by a third party--such as a reviewer who does measurements? (Stereophile, Soundstage, for example.)

If those figures are at all close to reality, and you have a big amplifier, I imagine either could play loud enough to hurt your hearing, which I would advise you not to do. So, the sensitivity should not be an issue.

So it really comes down to which you like better.

 

[lsiberian]

one argument was that you need 105db at the listening position for reference level. I'm 12+- feet away from the mains.

applying 250w (which is the max for the BETA i think) to both speakers, we get:
103db for the BETA and 110db for the JTR

honestly, i would prefer the triple 12. but i seriously will NEVER afford it.

i currently have a loan of 1458USD (partly because of the AS-EQ1) ... which i'm paying off 200 bucks a month. (used to be 400 bucks every month, but i actually wanted to eat more than rice flakes) if i go for this, i'll be adding close to 4000 bucks to that amount. while it's fun to buy now and pay later ... i'm also maturing and thinking it's not the right thing to do. then again, if i don't buy this now ... price will further increase.

Doing this upgrade on credit is stupid. IMO. The Beta 50s are very good speakers and the Beta set has amazing drivers. They are only limited by the enclosure. For 4000 dollars I could probably design a Beta cabinet and upgrade the tweeter to make it a truly hifi speaker. And I wouldn't come near that in cost. And you aren't considering room gain in your DB calculations.

Heck you've seen what Chris is doing with the Primus cabinets.

 

[aarond]

i can have anywhere between 250wpc to 450wpc at 8 ohms supplying the mains (so the amp side is taken cared of)

add to the fact that the JTR is a 4 ohm load, which means i have even more power on tap for it.

a 4 ohm load is harder to drive than an 8 ohm load, not easier
(4 ohm needs 5 amps for 100watts; 8 ohm needs 3.5 amps for 100watts)

 

[markw]

Dunno...

i currently have a loan of 1458USD (partly because of the AS-EQ1) ... which i'm paying off 200 bucks a month. (used to be 400 bucks every month, but i actually wanted to eat more than rice flakes) if i go for this, i'll be adding close to 4000 bucks to that amount. while it's fun to buy now and pay later ... i'm also maturing and thinking it's not the right thing to do. then again, if i don't buy this now ... price will further increase.

Maybe it's my Mennonite roots, but I could never justify financing the purchase of a luxury item.

I've always been a "save for it" kinda guy. ...particularly in today's econony.

 

[Davemcc]

a 4 ohm load is harder to drive than an 8 ohm load, not easier
(4 ohm needs 5 amps for 100watts; 8 ohm needs 3.5 amps for 100watts)

Impedance and sensitivity should not factor into Mike's equation. As evidence, I offer this pic from Mike's system gallery.

 

[lsiberian]

Impedance and sensitivity should not factor into Mike's equation. As evidence, I offer this pic from Mike's system gallery.

lol maybe that's the problem.

All those amps are driving him crazy.

 

[STRONGBADF1]

Mike,

What about Klipsch? You can get that loud without spending as much and the latest reference series sounds better than previous models. Is there a klipsch dealer close to you that you could demo some speakers at home?

If head room is what your after (is it?) easy to drive RF-83's should blow your head off with all that amplification.

By the way If your current speakers get loud enough and don't compress I would stand pat.

-Doug

 

[mike c]

ok, so what test can i do to check if my mains are way over what i need?

 

[MidnightSensi]

ok, so what test can i do to check if my mains are way over what i need?

Your current mains? Use your ears. Are they sounding strained or distorting below the volume you want?

 

[fredk]

ok, so what test can i do to check if my mains are way over what i need?

Is your wallet empty, your wife at the front door with a suitcase and the creditors on the other side of the door waiting to pounce when you run after her?

If so, don't do it. Otherwise...